Author(s): Hasselberger, William ; Gregório, Inês
Date: 2026
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/59845
Origin: Veritati - Repositório Institucional da Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Subject(s): Artificial intelligence; Ethics; Loneliness; Friendship; Social intimacy
AI companions-chatbots using Large Language Models to simulate human interaction–mark a shift toward AI designed for virtual social and emotional connection. While some studies suggest these tools can reduce loneliness, their rise raises serious ethical, philosophical, and societal concerns, particularly around young people. This essay introduces the key issues at stake and explores how the Social Doctrine of the Church can help evaluate how humans relate to, and are shaped by, AI companions.
